Coin of the Week: 1949 Norway 1 Krone

Obverse (Image: Crowned Monograms)

Reverse (Image: Cross of the Order of St. Olav Collar)

The currency of the Kingdom of Norway is the krone, with 100 øre equaling 1 krone. The krone was introduced in 1875 when Norway joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union and replaced its previous currency unit, the speciedaler.

The 1949 1 Krone was introduced under the reign of King Haakon VII. The border of the obverse has the statement "Haakon the Seventh, King of Norway". This side also includes the monogram of the king in the form of an "H" combined with a "7". The monogram tradition continues today, with the modern Norwegian 1 krone featuring Harald V's monogram consisting of an "H" and a "5". The reverse depicts the collar of the Cross of the Order of St. Olav, an order of chivalry. The collar consists of the Norwegian coat of arms with the royal crown at the top and the cross itself at the bottom. The reverse also includes King Haakon's royal motto Alt for Norge, or "(Give) all for Norway". Though each king can choose his own personal motto, the two kings that followed Haakon VII (Olav V from 1957 - 1991 and Harald V from 1991 - Present) both decided to continue using the same motto. This may be due to the motto's particularly high standing as one of the symbols of Norway's struggle against German occupation during World War II.

 

 

Coin of the Week: 1901 Uruguay 5 Centesimos

Obverse (Image: Sun with rays)

Reverse (Image: Value within laurel wreath)

The official currency of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso, with 100 centesimos equalling 1 peso. The peso has been used since European colonization, but has been devaluated twice in the 1900s: once in 1973 with the introduction of the new peso and again in 1993 when the new peso was replaced with the Uruguayan peso.

This 1901 coin was issued during a period when Uruguay had adopted the gold standard, from 1896 - 1935. The 5 centesimos coin features a sun with rays, a popular coin pattern, on the obverse. The sun is the Sun of May, a representation of the Inca sun god Inti. This was a symbol of the 1810 May Revolution when territories like Argentina and Uruguay gained their independence from Spain. The reverse displays the value within a laurel wreath. 

During my research for this coin, I stumbled upon this interesting website: en.numista.com. If you want to connect with other coin collectors in the world, then check it out!

Silly Pop Song: Friends

Was home without the family last week and had some time to goof off. This is for everyone out there who loves just being a "friend". I'll have to make a video sometime soon. Until then, enjoy!

Friends.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Coin of the Week: 1966 Panama 1/4 Balboa

Obverse (Image: Vasco Nunez de Balboa)

 Reverse (Image: Panamanian Coat of Arms)

The currency of the Republic of Panama, along with the US dollar, is the balboa, with 100 centesimos equaling one balboa. The currency is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa and replaced the Colombian peso after Panama gained its independence in November 1903. The balboa has been pegged 1:1 to the US dollar since its introduction.

The obverse of the 1/4 balboa features a portrait of Vasco Nunez de Balboa. Balboa was the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513. He named the ocean "Mar del Sur" (South Sea) since he had traveled south across the Isthmus to the ocean. What I love the most about his portrait is the helmet, called a Morion (see a short description and beautiful example of one here). The morion was a popular helmet in 16th and 17th century Europe because it was inexpensive to produce. The comb on the top of the helmet was designed to strengthen it.

The reverse of the coin displays the Panamanian coat of arms. Below is the official description:

It rests on a green field, symbol of the vegetation; it is of pointed form and it is intervened as far as the division. The center shows the Isthmus with its seas and sky, in which the moon begins to rise above the waves and the sun begins to hide behind the mountain, marking thereby the solemn hour of the declaration of our independence. The head is divided in two quarters: in the one of the right hand, in the silver field, a sword and a gun are hung meant as abandonment for always to the civil wars, causes of our ruin; in the one of the left-hand side, and on field of gules, a crossed shovel and a grub hoe are shown shining, to symbolize the work.

The end of the coat of arms also is divided in two quarters: the one of the right-hand side, in blue field, shows a cornucopia, emblem of the wealth; and the one of the left-hand side, in field of silver, the winged wheel, symbol of the progress. Behind the shield and covering it with his opened wings, is the eagle, emblem of the sovereignty, the head turned towards the left, and takes in the tip a silver tape, which hangs from right to left. On the tape the following motto is printed "Pro Mundi Beneficio".

On the eagle, in arc form, nine gold stars go in representation of the provinces in which the Republic is divided (Note: this is now outdated as there are now also 3 indigenous districts). Like decorative accessories, to each side of the coat of arms two gathered national flags go on the other hand below.

I also found this website with more information on all Panamanian coins: http://www.coins-of-panama.com/coins.html